OldFarmShow recently posted some new videos from the National Threshers Association. The first part of this video is interesting because it is a very old threshing machine being used. There is an apron, rather than a feeder, where a worker cuts the twine around each bundle before pushing it into the cylinder. It also has a web stacker, rather than a wind stacker, and the engine is correspondingly smaller, to match the power needs.

Friday, June 29, 2012

Squirrel season will be starting up in August, so this is a good time to check your sights and your skill to see if you'll be able to put some rodents in the frying pan. We are going to make this an easy contest so everyone can join in the fun.

The object is to hit the kill zones marked on the squirrels without wounding any game.

Click on the photo or the squirrel target for the link to the pdf, to download and print. Shoot your target at 25 feet, (or the nearest distance at your range) with your pistol, two shots for each squirrel, for a total of ten shots per target. Each shot touching the kill zone is worth 10 points. Each shot touching a squirrel, but not touching the kill zone is minus 10 points. If you were really out in the woods trying to bag a squirrel, you would utilize a rest to steady your shot, and that is what you should do for this contest. Any rest from the bench or uprights is OK; your choice!

If you want to shoot the match with a rifle, shoot your target at 50 feet with your choice of rest for your rifle. Shoot twice at each squirrel. We don't want any wounded game, so dial in your sights beforehand.

Write your pistol or rifle info on the target, along with the type of sights you are using; iron, non-magnifying optics, or magnifying scope. Use the name and/or website you want listed in the results. We will sort them out into classes. Shoot the contest with any pistol, rifle, or pellet gun, you want.

Scan or photograph your targets, and e-mail them to: truebluetravelinman (at) gmail (dot) com. Try to have them sent in by the end of July, and we will post the results within a few days.

If you have any difficulty printing from Google Docs, e-mail me at truebluetravelinman (at) gmail (dot) com, and I will send you the target via e-mail.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

We are doing lots of watering this summer to keep the hedge, trees, and the flower gardens alive. The Mrs brought out her antique Rain Mate sprinkler a few days ago, and we have had a great time sitting in the shade and listening to its music.

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

Here is a great running, barn fresh 4 HP IHC engine that we saw over at Evansville. It is very similar to the 5 HP IHC Titan that Gary Bahre is fixing up, only this example is hit-and-miss governed; Gary's is throttle governed.

Pianomn199 shares a very special roll with us, of Vincent Youmans playing a medley from No, No, Nanette. I have listened to many interpretations of these songs over the years, and it is absolutely heavenly to hear the composer perform them as he envisioned them. Analog still works.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Derek, The Packing Rat is one of the bloggers you will see at the Rendezvous, and he always does a great job as photographer and videographer for the event. This video by Derek will introduce you to many of the great folks you will meet when you attend. Click over to the Gun Blogger Rendezvous site to download your reservation form, and for hotel reservation information.

The Rendezvous is an important fund raising event for Project VALOUR-IT, which benefits wounded soldiers. You will meet and make friends with bloggers and other folks interested in shooting, and you will have lots of fun shooting while you are there. There is always an exciting variety of guns to see, and to shoot during the first range day, and you will learn how to shoot the Steel Challenge with Mr. Completely on the second day at the Washoe Shooting Range. Cowboy Fast Draw is held on the final day of the Rendezvous, and it is always fun and exciting. Hurry up and make your reservations and your travel plans so you can join in on the fun.

We have been bummed out ever since the Hen House Restaurant at Okawville was torn down, and we needed a better place to stop along I-64 than the Diary Kween. Thanks to the miracle of the Internet, an online search for restaurants near Okawville located a really great meeting and eating place; The Eagle's Nest, at Addieville.

The Eagle's Nest is easy to find whether you are east or west-bound. West-bound travelers should get off at the Nashville exit, and go south one mile to Mockingbird Road, then turn west. There is one little kink in Mockingbird Road, but you continue west to one of the intersections, and go north one mile, then proceed west again into Addieville. Just in case you are having heavy rain when you go, proceed into Nashville, turn west on IL Hwy 15, then go north on 160. The Eagle's nest is west of the grain elevator, and just north of the dark red smithy.

Check it out on Google Earth before you come through Southern Illinois so you can travel this little detour without getting lost. It's well worth stopping in if it's time to eat.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Uncle Percy was a small time thresherman in the Dahlgren community, and his little threshing machine traveled only to farms centered around his ground. The fellow on the right is Clark Fields, and judging from his appearance, this photo was taken around 1940. Steam engines were being phased out by this time, and Percy is pulling his threshing machine with a 15-30 McCormick-Deering tractor; note the front wheel in the corner of the photo. The rest of the photo could have been taken from about 1906 on, when wind stackers replaced web stackers on threshers, making for impressive straw stacks, but requiring more horsepower, which in turn made for bigger steam engines. Combined harvesters (Combines)were already coming into the marketplace when this photo was taken, and after World War II threshing rings vanished rapidly as farmers acquired modern tractors and combines.

Friday, June 15, 2012

The weather has been feeling like July,the yard is turning brown like August, and the days will start growing shorter in just a week. Pax41 uploaded this masterpiece by the Haydn Quartette, recorded in 1906.

I have managed to get behind posting the recent YouTube videos from Ruger. There are two new vids with Dave Spaulding, and one with Lori Petoske and Il Ling New.

Trigger Reset: Dave has some very interesting information about your accuracy during trigger pull in relation to the size of your pistol.

Carry Locations: Dave gives us plenty to think about in this discussion of pocket pistols, and how you can effectively bring one out of hiding when you need it.

Il Ling stresses safely drawing and re-holstering in this video. This is important information, and we all need to take it seriously so we don't do what Tex did. (Language Warning if you click to Tex, but who can blame him for the bad words?)

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

The newest barn quilt in Hamilton County, Illinois is Gloria's, and it can be seen just north of McLeansboro on the west side of IL Hwy 242. Gloria hired her friend Becky (A professional painter.) to create the quilt, and some very nice people with a bucket truck put it up last week. Way To Go, Becky and Gloria!!!

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

We are revisiting Hickok45 to see how he preps his brass for reloading. Mr. Hickok is using Dillon equipment in these videos, and as he mentions, there are several companies who make these vibrating brass polishers.

This type of equipment takes up quite a bit of shelf space, and the vibrator makes noise for many hours while it cleans. Another option available for reloaders is an ultrasonic cleaner. They cost a bit more than the rigs like Mr. Hickok demonstrates, but they clean fast, and you don't have to worry about toxic dust when you clean up. When a batch is done, put the brass in your oven on low heat for a while to dry it, then it is ready to go to your loading press.

Fans of old music comment back and forth on YouTube; it's a small, suupportive club. lrh1966 sent the link to one of his oldest records, and I am sure you will all enjoy it. Have a listen!

Sometimes I wonder about my sanity, cranking up a phonograph every week for posting on YouTube, but comments like these (From K-K-K-Katy) keep me going:

"For my dear 75 year old mother - now with a bit of dementia......but she can still sing and remember this one well."

" I met someone with this name and for some reason I must have heard this song and HAD to find out where it was from. What a wonderful, fun, joyful, happy song. I still hear over and over the K K K Katie. And No one (even the OLDER people) could tell me where it came from. Thanks for putting this on. "

"My mom tought this song to my sisters and I when we were children . Her grand mom tought her mom and her mom tought her mom and my mom tought us . I tought my girls too. They say it scares them. I am now teaching my grandson. We only know the verse. I never knew this was a whole song. I hope that my family continues teaching this song forever. This is the only thing I have of my great grandma. I am 49yo. WOW this song went far. Thanks for this. "

"my grandad used to always sing this to me when I was little :-)"

" My dad sang this to me his entire life. Bless you for this posting, never heard the original. It was one of the first they got when he was a little boy and brings him back to me. "

"My granny used to sing this song to me because my name is Katy. One of my dearest childhood memories. "

It's time to send in your registration to Mr. Completely, make your travel plans, and your reservations for your stay in Reno. The Rendezvous is just about the most fun you will ever have on a short vacation, and you will get to know some of your favorite bloggers, like shooting champs Mr. C, and Molly Smith.

Activities at the Rendezvous include a trip to Cabela's, two trips to the Washoe CountyShooting Range, Cowboy Fast Draw, Pizza Night, and the annual raffle to benefit Soldier's Angels Project Valour-IT. You will also hear presentations by other attendees about firearms, industry, Second Amendment rights, plus lots of great visiting with your new friends.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Barstool100 captured some good stack and whistle talk in this video from Colorado. This train is a must for all steam fans to ride, and the season is upon us. Click Here to go the website, and plan your trip.

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Gary Bahre called to let us know that the Novo is very close to running condition. He has welded the broken iron parts of the carburetor, built a buzz coil ignition system, repaired the fuel pump, cleaned out the gas tank, and make a 3 3/4" inch freeze plug for the bottom of the gas tank. He could have purchased a factory plug in that size, but the minimum order was $100! He has the bearings fitted, and needs to add a primer next to the sparkplug. He is going to bolt it to some timbers before he fires it up so it doesn't walk around. Gary expects to have it ready to crank in about two weeks, and plans to show it in August at Pinckneyville.

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

I was called to look at dogwood with a problem that didn't amount to much, and this decadent pin oak was on the terrace in front of the home. I told the homeowner that she should have it removed as soon as possible; before it kills someone. She responded that a city crew came by to remove it (At No Charge!) and she ran them off.

A big tree like this one would cost a small fortune to remove and haul away, but keeping it for sentimental reasons can be fatal to family, neighbors, pets, and parked cars. I soon had her convinced to go down to City Hall and tell them that she changed her mind.

A less obvious problem in this yard is that leaner behind the family pet. It's a silver maple, which gets very tall, and has weak wood that is prone to rotting. The shade from the big pin oak caused the maple to lean toward the corner of the house. It's definitely a problem that should be nipped in the bud, to save trouble and big expense in the future. After both of these trees are gone, there will be plenty of sunlight to grow a straight, sturdy, long-lived tree.

Monday, June 4, 2012

Jack and his wife Beth asked me to come to their farm and drop a snag for them, and after the cutting was done I had a chance to look at their barn, which was built around 1930. Jack and Beth have been busy jacking up and patching the old building; the repairs are wood from the farm.

I wonder if I could hire Jack to come down and work on our barn. This new door is a sturdy beauty.

They have a new plate on top of the foundation all the way around the building now, and have most of the patching done. They recently had an electrician come out and install lights. We had that done to our barn as well a few months back, and it sure is nice.

I know it's Sunday, but go ahead and dance if you feel like it; I won't tell. Carl Fenton's Orchestra performs a medley (You Can Dance With Any Girl At All, Tea For Two, and Where Has My Hubby Gone Blues) from the Broadway Play, No, No, Nanette. Composed by Caesar Youmans. Played on the Old Brunswick. The cats were quiet when I did this one.

The Southern Indiana Antique and Machinery Club show is next weekend; June 8-10. Antique cars, tractors, gas engines, and even a steam engine or two will be on display. The show ground is just north of Evansville on the west side of Highway 41. Click Here for the club's webpage.

Friday, June 1, 2012

Phil over at Random Nuclear Strikes has the June contest up, so click over there to print your target and study the rules. Take Phil's target, and Danno's to shoot both contests this weekend. You will be shooting pistols at 25 feet offhand, or rimfire rifles at 25 yards, elbows on the table. You can shoot centerfire rifles as far out as you think you are able to score. Phil has shot it at both 100 and 200 yards, and he will be glad to receive any entries you send in.

...Go back to the house for your binoculars the next time you try to shoot with iron sights at 25 yards. I just shot this one tonight with the rifle Dad bought for me fifty years ago. It still shoots well, given my old eyes. The little Ithaca was deadly on rabbits and squirrels.

We are shifting around the schedule a bit, because there doesn't seem to be enough time on Thursday evenings now to crank up the Old Brunswick. I plan to shift Crankin' It Up to Sunday A.M., which will let me put a record in the hopper Friday or Saturday night.

EMGColonel posted this delightful oldie, which is now over 100 years old. I don't know the name of the artist, but she sure is enthusiastic.

Rules To Live By

Firearms1. All guns are always loaded.2. Never let the muzzle cover anything you are not willing to destroy.3. Keep your finger off the trigger until you are ready to shoot.4. Be sure of your target and what lies beyond it.

2. Safety devices on the saw must be in working order: front hand guard,chain brake, chain catcher, throttle lockout, and right hand guard.

3. Hold the saw on the ground or lock it between your knees for starting. No 'Drop Starts.' Set the chain brake before cranking.

4. The engine must idle reliably without turning the chain.

5. The chain must be sharpened properly, including properly set depth gauges.

6. The chain must be adjusted to remove slack and still run freely.

7. The operator must understand the forces on different parts of the bar as the saw runs: push, pull, kickback and attack.

8. Both hands must always be on the saw when the chain is running. The thumbs must be wrapped around the handles. Both feet should be firmly planted on the ground.

9. The operator must always know where the end of the bar is, and what it's doing.

10. Don't let the upper (kickback) corner of the bar contact anything when the chain is running unless the tip has been buried with the lower corner.

11. Let off of the throttle before pulling out of a pinch on the top part of the bar.

12. Make a plan for every tree you cut. Assess hazards, lean, escape routes, forward cuts, and back cuts. Evaluate the forward or backward lean, and the side lean of every tree you cut. Know your limits.

13. Clear your work area and your escape path of brush, vines, and other hazards that can trip you or catch your saw.

14. Escape from the bullseye when the tree tips. 90% of accidents happen within 12 feet of the stump. Go more than 15 feet, and stay out of the bullseye until things stop falling.

15. Keep spectators away more than twice the height of the tree in the direction it will fall.

16. Don't cut alone.

17. Keep your body and the swamper's out of the line of the bar in case of a kickback.

18. Set the brake when taking over two steps or when moving through tripping hazards. Keep your trigger finger off of the throttle when you are moving.

19. DO NOT operate a chainsaw from a ladder! Operating with your feet off the ground requires special training.

20. Do not cut above your shoulders.

21. Springpoles must be shaved on the inside of the apex between the ascending and descending sides. If the apex is higher than you shoulders, stand under the springpole and cut it low on the descending side. It will release upward, away from you.Leaning and heavily loaded poles that are too small to bore cut for a hinge should be shaved on the compressed side until they fold.

22. Do not cut a tree that is holding up a lodged tree. Do not work under a lodged tree. Think about a mouse trying to steal the cheese out of a trap.

23. Instruct your swampers and helpers to NEVER approach you from behind or the sides to within the reach of your saw when you are cutting. If you pull out of a cut with the chain running, or have a severe kickback, the swamper can be killed if he is coming up behind you!

AND: 24!! Quit When You Are Tired! Thanks, Reed; don't know how I missed this one.

Blog Themesong! Vintage Music Is Featured On True Blue Sam Every Weekend

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